Waste disposal unit



June 6, 1967 Filed July 25, 1966 E. C. LEWIS WASTE DISPOSAL UNIT 8 Sheets-Sheet l Inventor:-

Eric C2. Lewis ww lw Md Attorneys June 6, 1967 E. c. LEWIS 3,323,714

WASTE DISPOSAL UNIT Filed July 25, 1966 8 Sheets-$heet 2 Inventor:- Erfc C. Lewis June 6, 1967 E. c. LEWIS WASTE DISPOSAL UNIT a Sheets-Sheets Filed July 25, 1966 Inventor:- Eric C. Lewis M4 moi, Z7 Attorneys E. C. LEWIS WASTE DISPOSAL UNIT June 6, 1967 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 25, 1966 I I I I I I I I I nventom- Eric C. Lwis Attorneys June 6, 1967 E. c. LEWIS WASTE DISPOSAL UNIT 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 25, 1966 Inventor:- Eric C.Lew1|s WWW Q1 Attorneys June 6, 1967 c. w s 3,323,714

WASTE DISPOSAL UNIT Filed July 25, 1966 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Inventor".-

; Eric C. Lewis June 6, 1967 c, L gs 3,323,714

WASTE DISPOSAL UNIT Filed July 25, 1966 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 lnventbm- Eric C. Lewis June 6, 1967 c. w s 3,323,714

WASQTE DISPOSAL UNIT Filed July 25, 1966 s Sheets-Siiet a FIG. 70.

lnve ntom- Eric C. Lewis Mm fiww w Attorneys United States Patent 3,323,714 WASTE DISPOSAL UNIT Eric Crisp Lewis, Ham Common, Engiand, assignor of one-half to Alumase Limited, London, England, a British company Filed .Iuly 25, 1966, Ser. No. 567,448 6 Claims. (Cl. 232-431) The object of this invention is to provide a unit or apparatus for the ready disposal of waste matter of an unsanitary, obnoxious, or like nature in a hygienic manner and which thus has wide practical application especially but not exclusively, in hospitals and numerous other public establishments, as well as on rail and other vehicles, aircraft, ships, and similar boats. Practical advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings:

FIGURES 1 and 2 are front and side elevations respectively of a disposal unit according to this invention and shown in the closed condition.

FIGURE 3 is a cross section taken on the line 3-3 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a cross section similar to FIGURE 3 but showing the disposal unit in the open condition.

FIGURE 5 is a front view of the upper part of the unit with the hinged front cover removed.

FIGURE 6 is a sectioned front view of the upper part of the unit showing the electrical system;

FIGURE 7 is a detailed side view on an enlarged scale of the upper part of the unit showing the locking action of the top cover.

FIGURE 8 is a plan view of a modified form of the waste disposal unit.

FIGURE 9 is a cross section on the line IX-IX of FIGURE 8 and FIGURES 10 and 11 are detail front and side views on an enlarged scale of the bag mounting projections shown in FIGURES 8 and 9.

Referring to FIGURES 1 to 7 of the drawings the supporting structure of the disposal unit consists of an outer container 1 within which is suspended a bag or like receptacle 2 of flexible plastic sheet material for actually receiving waste matter.

The container 1 is shown comprising a rear casing 3 which may be well mounted in use and a front cover 4 hinged at its lower end at 5 to the rear casing 3 whereby a hollow interior is provided for accommodating the bag 2.

The bag 2 is suspended by its mouth portion 8 from the upper part of the rear casing 3 (or as shown, from a housing 6 at said upper part) and from the upper part of the front cover 4. In order to enable a bag 2 to be readily mounted and located in position in this way or removed therefrom, opposed parts of the bag mouth portion 8 are provided with perforations 7 which engage over projections or studs 9 on the upper housing 6 and on the upper part of the front cover 4.

For providing adequate support to the bag 2, especially when loaded, the studs 9 are shown of elongated or oblong form in the horizontal direction whilst the perforations or slots 7 in the bag 2 are of corresponding form. The bag 2 may be retained in engagement with the studs 9 by clips or in any suitable manner but in a convenient arrangement shown a pivoted catch l0 is provided in association with each stud 9, which catches 10 are shown in the retaining position with their tongues 11 against their studs 9 and overlapping the edge portions of the mouth of the bag 2 adjacent the slot 7. For enabling the bag 2 to be readily engaged with, or dis-engaged from, the studs 9, the catches 10 are swung clear by means of their finger pieces 12.

When a bag 2 is mounted in position in the manner described and shown it will be appreciated that the bag 2 is opened and closed by corresponding movement of the front cover 4. Thus when it is required to dispose of waste matter the cover 4 is simply opened by means of the handle or finger opening 14 and the matter dropped in the opened bag 2 whereupon the latter can be immediately closed by closing or allowing the cover 4 to close against the rear casing 3. All the time the cover 4 is closed the bag 2 also remains effectively closed so that, in the interests of hygiene, the contents of the bag 2 are not exposed to the atmosphere and are only momentarily exposed when the bag is opened by operating the cover 4 when introducing further waste matter.

As shown the cover 4 may be spring loaded relative to the rear casing 3 such as by tension spring means 13 between them so that the cover 4 automatically closes on release and is retained in the closed condition.

When the bag 2 has become full of waste matter or it is desired to finally dispose of or destroy any waste matter therein, the bag 2 is sealed in a permanent manner by heat sealing at its mouth portion 8 when in the closed condition. For this purpose an electric heating element of strip 15 is shown carried by a pad 16 of heat resistant material such as asbestos on the upper housing 6 a short distance below the bag suspension studs 9 on the latter. A co-operating pad 17 also of similar heat resisting material is carried by the front cover 4 and when the latter is closed the mouth portion 8 of the bag 2 is clamped between the two pads 16, 17 so that effective heat sealing is obtained on appropriate current being supplied to the element 15.

The element 15 is brought into operation for the required period by means of a manually operated time switch 19, the element circuit including an indicator lamp 20 whilst in the interests of safety the element 15 is shown arranged for low voltage operation (e.g., 5 volts) through a transformer 21 from a main supply. The transformer 21 and general circuit to the heating element 15 are shown accommodated in the upper housing 6 whilst the setting of the time switch may be of the order of S to 10 seconds.

In order to prevent unauthorised operation of the switch 19, the upper part of the housing 6 is provided with a top cover 22 which under normal conditions of public use of the unit encloses the switch button 23 and also the indicator lamp 20, the top cover 22 being locked in this. position in any suitable manner (not shown).

When it is desired to eifect heat sealing of a bag 2 prior to its removal the cover 22. is swung. open by its finger recess 28 in a forward direction about its pivotal mounting 24 (FIGURE 7).

In addition to exposingthe switch button 23 for operation and also the indicator larnp 20' the cover 22 also as shown, performs the dual function of locking or clamping the front cover 4 against the rear casing 3 so that, in particular, the mouth portion 8 is firmly clamped between the pads 16, 17 for proper heat sealing. For this purpose the top cover 22 is provided with fingers 25 which co-operate with cor-responding cam surfaces 26 on the front cover 4 for obtaining locking of the latter when the top cover 22 is swung to the open position.

After heat sealing and on return of the top cover 22, the front cover 4 is opened and the bag 2 is disengaged from the studs 9 in the manner already described whereupon it can then be taken away for destruction together with its contents such as by burning in an incinerator.

Since prior to removal the bag 2 is effectively sealed it can be subsequently handled and transported after removal without exposure of its contents in any way so that a high degree of cleanliness and hygiene can be maintained through its use.

For normal opening and closing movement of the front cover 4 for waste disposal purposes, the extent of opening movement may be limited to prevent dam-age to the bag such as by a stud 27 at each side of the front cover 4 operating in a corresponding limit slot 29 in the rear casing 3.

The slot 29 is shown provided with an outer and upwardly open extension 30 for permitting further opening movement of the front cover 4 e.-g. for bag removal or replacement purposes. It is necessary to lift the cover 4 slightly so as to cause each stud 27 to engage its corresponding slot extension 30 which engagement locks the cover 4 in the fully open position against the action of the return spring 13. However owing to the incline 30a of the slot extension 30 moderate hand pressure on the cover 4 returns each stud 27 to the slot 29 for closing of the cover 4.

When each stud 27 engages its slot extension 29 the front cover 4 can be lifted away from the rear casing 3 for which purpose the hinging studs 31 at the lower end of the front cover 4 have a corresponding engagement with a vertical slot 32 of appropriate open form at 33 on the rear casing 3. Prior to such removal of the cover 4 the spring 13 is disconnected from an end anchorage thereof.

As will be apparent from the foregoing and in addition to its simplicity of operation the unit is also of simple construction, the main structural parts of which may be produced from castings or mouldings or otherwise formed.

Whereas permanent closing of the bag 2 prior to removal by heat sealing is preferred, if desired permanent closing may be effected by other means such as stapling in which latter case the bag 2 may be of flexible sheet material other than plastics material such as a suitable paper. Alternatively the interior of the mouth portion 8 of a paper or other suitable bag 2 may be treated with a heat responsive adhesive which is temporarily softened for adhesion on permanent closing by operation of the heating element 15.

Referring to FIGURES 8 to 11 an alternative arrangement of supporting the bag 42 is shown in a supporting structure 41 suitable for kitchen use and comprising a rear wall mounting member 43 and a front cover 44 hinged at 45 to the rear member 43 whereby a hollow interior is provided for accommodating the upper part of the bag 42.

' The bag 42 is suspended by its mouth portion 48 from the rear mounting member 43 (or as shown, from a housing 46 thereof) and from the upper part of the front cover 44 by means of upwardly directed projections or teeth 49 spaced from the adjacent surface of the housing 46 or front cover 44 as the case may be, a sufficient distance to easily accommodate the wall thickness of the material of the bag mouth portion 48 after corresponding perforations 47 in the latter have been engaged over or hooked by the teeth 49.

Whereas they may be provided singly, the teeth 49 are shown provided in groups or pairs suitably disposed along the housing 46 and front cover 44 for providing adequate support for the bag 42.

As will be appreciated the bag mouth perforations 47 can be quickly engaged over the teeth 49 in fitting a bag 42 in position in the unit and also just as simply disen- 4.- gaged on removal of a sealed bag therefrom. It is thus unnecessary to operate any clips or retaining catches whilst strong local support of the bag 42 is provided by each pair of separate perforations 47 engaging a corresponding pair of teeth 49.

Each pair of teeth 49 is shown carried by a mounting or cross piece 50 (FIGURES l0 and 11) which is accommodated in a recess 51 in the housing 46 or front cover 44 whilst a shank 52 to the cross piece receives a retaining washer 54. Whereas such mounting facilitates assembly and provides positive location of the teeth 49, it will be appreciated that the latter or their cross pieces 50 may be otherwise mounted in position of use such as by screw mounting or rivettin g.

As before opening and closing movement of the front cover 44 effects opening and closing of the bag 42 for the insertion of waste matter therein whilst the front cover is urged to the closed position by tension springing $3 and is operated by a handle 44a.

When it is desired to seal the bag 42 and in this example the front cover 44 is locked or clamped in the closed position such as by means of the handle 62 pivoted at 64 on the housing 46 and co-operating at 62a with the cam formation 66 on the front cover 44 whereupon heat sealing of the mouth portion 48 of the bag 42 can be effected by the electrical heating element 55 at that part of the mouth portion clamped between the two pads 56, 57 of asbestos or other suitable heat resisting material.

Even if the bag 42 is deliberately or accidentally torn from its hook engagement with the teeth 49 when removing a sealed bag, the seal of the latter is not affected since only that part of the bag mouth portion 48 above the seal would be torn.

For normal opening and closing of the front cover 44 and of the bag 42 therewith the handle 62 is swung clear to a rear position where it can lie on a rest 58 and at the same time conceal the switch button 63 and indicator lamp 60 of the control circuit to the heating element 55.

I claim:

1. A waste disposal unit comprising supporting structure having two relatively movable members for removably suspending a bag of flexible sheet material by its mouth portion whereby on appropriate relative movement of said members the bag is opened and closed for the purpose of introducing waste matter therein; and means carried by at least one of said members and operable when required for effecting closure of a said bag in a permanent manner prior to its removal from the supporting structure.

2. A waste disposal unit comprising a support member; a cover member hinged along its lower end part to said support member for opening and closing movement relative to the latter; means carried by opposed upper parts of said members for releasably suspending from and between them a bag of flexible sheet material by its mouth portion for opening and closing movement with said members for the purpose of introducing waste matter into said bag; and electrical heating means carried by at least one of said members and operable when required for effecting heat sealing of the mouth portion of a said bag in a permanent manner when closed by said members and prior to its removal from the latter.

3. A waste disposal unit according to claim 2 wherein the support member and cover member each carry a pad of heat resistant material for clamping a mouth portion of a said bag when suspended from said members, at least one of said pads carrying said electrical heating means.

4. A waste disposal unit according to claim 2 wherein the support member and cover member each carry at their opposed upper parts studs for engaging corresponding perforations in the mouth portion of a said bag whilst catches one to each stud are also carried by said members for releasably retaining a said bag mouth portion in engagement with said studs.

5. A Waste disposal unit according to claim 2 wherein the support member and cover member each carry at their upper parts upwardly directed projections for releasable hook engagement With corresponding perforations in the mouth portion of a said bag.

6. A Waste disposal unit comprising a rear support member; a front cover member hinged along its lower end part to said support member for opening and closing movement relative to the latter; projections carried by opposed upper parts of said members for releasably engaging corresponding perforations in the mouth portion of a bag of flexible plastics sheet material in suspending the latter from and between said members for opening and closing movement therewith for the purpose of introducing waste matter into said bag; a pair of pads of heat resistant material carried one each by said members for clamping shut the mouth portion of a said bag in the closed condition of said members; an electrical heating element carried by one of said pads and operable when required for effecting heat sealing of the mouth portion of a said bag in a permanent manner when closed by said members and prior to its removal from the latter;

and locking means carried by one of said members and arranged to act on the other for locking said members in the closed condition during said heat sealing.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 652,331 6/1900 Rudolph 232--43.2

787,476 4/1905 Sheley 232-31 2,079,592 5/1937 Battin 248-99 2,363,699 11/1944 Smith 220-1 2,470,271 5/1949 Steinbacher 248-97 2,636,800 4/ 1953 Downey 248 2,815,186 12/1957 Miller 248-99 2,878,849 3/1959 Lingenfelter et al. -3 2,964,275 12/1960 Atkinson 248-95 3,260,488 7/1966 Kliewer et al. 248-99 DAVID J. WILLIAMOWSKY, Primary Examiner. FRANCIS K. ZUGEL, Examiner. 

1. A WASTE DISPOSAL UNIT COMPRISING SUPPORTING STRUCTURE HAVING TWO RELATIVELY MOVABLE MEMBERS FOR REMOVABLY SUSPENDING A BAG OF FLEXIBLE SHEET MATERIAL BY ITS MOUTH PORTION WHEREBY ON APPROPRIATE RELATIVE MOVEMENT OF SAID MEMBERS THE BAG IS OPENED AND CLOSED FOR THE PURPOSE OF INTRODUCING WASTE MATTER THEREIN; AND MEANS CARRIED BY AT LEAST ONE OF SAID MEMBERS AND OPERABLE WHEN REQUIRED FOR EFFECTING CLOSURE OF A SAID BAG IN A PERMANENT MANNER PRIOR TO ITS REMOVAL FROM THE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE. 